which is better, cpap, bipap or apap?
for snoring, for obstructive sleep apnea (osa), for better oxygenation during rest or sleeping period
Well I can help you out on this one. There is pretty big differenced in the 3. It depends on what you need as an individual. Cpap is a continuous pressure with no let off when you exhale. If you need lower pressures then this is all you will need. Bipap has a higher pressure when you inhale and a lower one when you exhale. It is generally used for people who have oxygenation issues or need very high cpap pressure to overcome disordered breathing. Apap is otherwise known as an auto cpap. It actually monitors your breathing and chooses the pressure that works best for you. It is generally used as a diagnostic tool and most dont use them for every night use as they are not always accurate. There is also another unit out now called ASV or Servo Ventilation which has been wonderful in overcoming Central sleep apnea or Complex sleep apnea. It basically works on your own breathing pattern much the way bipap does except it continually changes pressure. If everyone could use this that would be wonderful, but unfortunately you have to fail cpap and bipap and have Complex apnea in order for ins to cover it and it is more expensive. All in all it depends on what you need when you do your titration study. Hope this helps you out.
Dental Patient Education: Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
